SEER is an authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. SEER currently collects and publishes cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries covering approximately 28 percent of the U.S. population.

Statistics at a GlanceShow More

At a Glance

Number of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The number of new cases of leukemia was 13.5 per 100,000 men and women per year. The number of deaths was 6.9 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2009-2013 cases and deaths.

Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 1.5 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with leukemia at some point during their lifetime, based on 2011-2013 data.

Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2013, there were an estimated 333,975 people living with leukemia in the United States.

Survival StatisticsShow More

How Many People Survive 5 Years Or More after Being Diagnosed with Leukemia?

Relative survival statistics compare the survival of patients diagnosed with cancer with the survival of people in the general population who are the same age, race, and sex and who have not been diagnosed with cancer. Because survival statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. No two patients are entirely alike, and treatment and responses to treatment can vary greatly.

Percent Surviving5 Years

59.7%

Based on data from SEER 18 2006-2012. Gray figures represent those who have died from leukemia. Green figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.

In 2016, it is estimated that there will be 60,140 new cases of leukemia and an estimated 24,400 people will die of this disease.

Who Gets This Cancer?

Although leukemia is among the most common childhood cancers, it most often occurs in older adults. Leukemia is slightly more common in men than women. The number of new cases of leukemia was 13.5 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2009-2013 cases.

Percent of New Cases by Age Group: Leukemia

Leukemia is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 65-74.

Median AgeAt Diagnosis

66

SEER 18 2009-2013, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of New Cases per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Leukemia

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

SEER 18 2009-2013, Age-Adjusted

Who Dies From This Cancer?

Death rates from leukemia are higher among the elderly. People with leukemia have many treatment options, and treatment for leukemia can often control the disease and its symptoms. Leukemia is the seventh leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The number of deaths was 6.9 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2009-2013 deaths.

Percent of Deaths by Age Group: Leukemia

The percent of leukemia deaths is highest among people aged 75-84.

Median AgeAt Death

75

U.S. 2009-2013, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of Deaths per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Leukemia

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

U.S. 2009-2013, Age-Adjusted

Trends in RatesShow More

Changes Over Time

Keeping track of the number of new cases, deaths, and survival over time (trends) can help scientists understand whether progress is being made and where additional research is needed to address challenges, such as improving screening or finding better treatments.

Using statistical models for analysis, rates for new leukemia cases have been rising on average 0.3% each year over the last 10 years. Death rates have been falling on average 1.0% each year over 2004-2013. 5-year survival trends are shown below the figure.

More About This CancerShow More

Cancer and the Blood

Figure: Blood Cells Maturing from Stem CellsClick to enlarge.

Leukemia is cancer that starts in the tissue that forms blood. Most blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells. In a person with leukemia, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells are leukemia cells. Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells don't die when they should. They may crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This makes it hard for normal blood cells to do their work. The four main types of leukemia are:

This factsheet focuses on population statistics that are based on the US population. Because these statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. To see tailored statistics, browse the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. To see statistics for a specific state, go to the State Cancer Profiles.

The statistics presented in this factsheet are based on the most recent data available, most of which can be found in the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. In some cases, different year spans may be used. Estimates for the current year are based on past data.

Cancer is a complex topic. There is a wide range of information available. This factsheet does not address causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, or decision making, although it provides links to information in many of these areas.